Trip Schedule - February 2019

A NOTE ABOUT SNOWSHOEING & CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: On the majority of weekends in recent winters we haven't had enough snow for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in local mountain areas (the winters of 2011 and 2015 were big exceptions), so we schedule day hikes for every Saturday & Sunday in January & February. Regular hikes will sometimes be changed to snowshoe hikes or cross-country ski trips whenever enough snow materializes for these activities.

In recent years the demand for snowshoe hikes has greatly increased among our members, and it’s dropped for cross-country ski trips -- so when there's enough snow, we’ll be scheduling snowshoe hikes on most weekends and probably an occasional cross-country ski trip. For those of you who are new to snowshoeing, go to the Snowshoeing page (there's nothing to learn, all you need is a pair of snowshoes to attach to your hiking boots).

​Always assume that we’ll be doing regular hikes, as scheduled, unless you hear otherwise. If you’re already signed up for a regular hike and the activity is changed, you’ll be given a choice of participating or taking a credit for a future hike. Please note that winter trip locations are always tentative and subject to change up to the last minute in the event of weather-related changes in trail conditions.

Date: 2/2 SAT

Location: PINE MEADOW LAKE - Harriman State Park (New York).

Level: EASY HIKE (5-6 miles)

Today we'll be hiking a hilly and sometimes very rocky trail alongside scenic Pine Meadow Brook, which includes an area with giant boulders and cascading water. Before returning we'll also probably pay a visit to beautiful Pine Meadow Lake.

Today we’re offering another hike in the north-central part of NY’s Harriman State Park, featuring several small mountains, little waterfalls on Tiorati Brook, and beautiful Lake Ascoti. Included will be a couple of miles of semi-bushwhacking, following some unmarked paths on Letterrock Mountain.

On this hike we’ll be taking a scenic loop hike in the northern part of NY’s Harriman Park, which will include several miles of the Appalachian Trail. Highlights include some beautiful views from Stockbridge Mountain as well as a scenic stretch of hiking trail alongside sizable Silvermine Lake. There are plenty of ups and downs, some of them steep, and much of our route is rough and rocky.

​Westmoreland Sanctuary is a large and attractive preserve in Westchester County with over 15 miles of hiking trails. Our route will take us through varied and scenic woodlands and forest, with some small streams and two large and lovely ponds. The terrain is very hilly but with few rocks.

Date: 2/16 SAT

Location: LAKE SKENONTO - Harriman State Park (New York).

Level: EASY-MODERATE HIKE (7-8 miles)

Today we'll be following hiking trails through an attractive section of Harriman Park, with a stop at Lake Skenonto, one of the most beautiful lakes in the area; we'll also have fine views from some small mountains. Portions of the hike are more moderate than easy, with some short, steep stretches of trail.

Today’s hike will take us over a number of small and rocky mountains that don’t involve long climbs, but cumulatively should add up to elevation changes of well over 2,500 feet. Highlights will include several fine vistas, including from the mountain called Russian Bear and Diamond Mountain. There are long stretches of rough, rocky trail along with easier stretches. For experienced and fit hikers who are capable of maintaining a reasonably brisk pace (when appropriate).

Today we'll be heading for Butler Sanctuary, owned by the Nature Conservancy and one of Westchester County's little-known gems of wild land. This lovely tract includes a network of winding trails, hemlock groves, and a little gorge with a beautiful mountain stream. There are many hills and some rough spots along the way.

​On this hike we’ll be returning to the Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area in Fahnestock State Park, a picturesque area of forested mountain ridges with lovely streams and lakes. There are several semi-steep ascents to rocky knobs, along with easier stretches of trail. Highlights include fine vistas from the tops of Round Mountain (also called Round Hill) and East Mountain.